

WP Builds
Nathan Wrigley
Web site building with WordPress. In this podcast we follow the hopeless exploits of David Waumsley and Nathan Wrigley as they try, and fail, to understand WordPress.
They know that they love building websites with WordPress, but the complexities of this awesome web building solution are always out of reach.
Not only are they not clever enough, but they just don't try all that hard
They know that they love building websites with WordPress, but the complexities of this awesome web building solution are always out of reach.
Not only are they not clever enough, but they just don't try all that hard
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 35min
This Week in WordPress #348
In episode 348 of This Week in WordPress, the panel dives into upcoming WordPress events, new features in Gutenberg (like the accordion block), and AI’s growing role in translation plugins. They discuss changes in the hosting landscape, including leadership updates, and touch on the legal battles between major players in the WordPress space. The conversation segues into community topics, conference planning woes, and even an amusing detour about alligators in Florida. It’s a lively blend of WordPress news, product updates, industry trends, and plenty of good-humoured tangents.

11 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 58min
436 – How AI is helping WPML translate your WordPress website faster and cheaper
Amir Helzer, founder of WPML and Toolset, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on WordPress translation tools. He explains how the Private Translation Cloud enhances translation speed and accuracy in over 50 languages. The conversation explores the shift from traditional to AI-driven methods, highlighting quality control and contextual understanding. Amir also discusses the balance between AI automation and maintaining authenticity, plus the potential financial benefits for web developers utilizing a subscription model. It's an exciting look at the future of multilingual web management!

Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 39min
This Week in WordPress #347
Here we go again. It's Monday and that means This Week in WordPress. Your weekly, fun recap of the WordPress news.
This episode features Nathan Wrigley, Courtney Robertson, Tim Nash, and Rhys Wynne discussing recent developments in WordPress. Key topics include the rise of AI in the WordPress ecosystem, reflections on the evolution and diversity of WordPress editors, major events like WordCamp US and local meetups, plugin team stats and automation, security trends, and the intersection of collaboration tools with WordPress. The panel also spotlights creative web projects, new performance initiatives, and lively community banter, blending technical insights with a friendly, engaging atmosphere.

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 22min
435 – “At The Core” with Birgit Pauli-Haack and Anne McCarthy – Episode 4
In this episode of WP Builds “At The Core,” Nathan Wrigley, Birgit Pauli-Haack, and Anne McCarthy recap recent and upcoming WordPress core developments. They highlight the roadmap to WordPress 6.9, including simplified site editing mode, block-level commenting, template management improvements, the expanded command palette, speculative loading, and upcoming core blocks. The discussion dives into efforts around admin redesign and foundational work for better AI integration, aiming for more accessible and developer-friendly future WordPress releases. The episode ends with enthusiasm for the WordPress Campus Connect initiative, encouraging community engagement and innovation. Whether you’re a developer, an agency, a solo site builder, or someone passionate about the open web, this episode is for you.

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 42min
This Week in WordPress #346
In episode #346 of "This Week in WordPress," Nathan Wrigley is joined by Taco Verdonschot, Dave Grey, and Alex Osmuchenko for a lively discussion covering the latest in WordPress and beyond. The panel dives into upcoming features in Gutenberg 21.5, including the new accordion block and command palette, while sharing perspectives on the ongoing WP Engine vs. Automattic legal saga. They highlight the launch of the F.A.I.R. package manager site, growing educational initiatives like WordPress credits in Costa Rica, and a packed schedule of upcoming WordCamps and WP Accessibility Day. The team also explores the new Telex tool for building blocks with AI, a revealing page builder accessibility report, and Rocket.net’s partnership with Hosting.com. As usual, there’s plenty of banter, travel tales from WordCamp US, and an airport security story involving a suspicious Wapuu card game. Dive in for news, community, and plenty of WordPress insights!

Aug 21, 2025 • 50min
434 – Unlocking faceted search in WordPress with Ross Morsali of Search & Filter
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Ross Morsali, creator of the popular WordPress plugin Search & Filter. Ross shares the origin story of the plugin, its evolution from a free tool to a full-fledged business, and how it enables advanced faceted search and filtering on WordPress sites. They discuss technical integrations (like ACF, various page builders, and Gutenberg), scalability, onboarding improvements, future features, and Ross's commitment to long-term support. The conversation offers insight into both the challenges and opportunities of building a complex, widely used WordPress product.

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 29min
This Week in WordPress #345
Ahoy, it's Monday again, and you know what that means? This Week in WordPress - the best place for a roundup of WordPress news. Today. I'm with Michelle Frechette, Dave Grey and Miriam Schwab. This episode covers the latest WordPress news, including Gutenberg updates, community trends, and the state of the WordPress ecosystem. The panel discusses new AI tools like Angie, the launch of WPWiki, plugin developments, and positive signs from global WordPress events. They address WordPress’s reputation, event attendance, youth engagement, and hosting news like Jess Frick joining Rocket.net. The hosts reflect on the challenges and optimism within the community, sharing insights into initiatives supporting students, plugin innovation, and upcoming events, highlighting their confidence in WordPress’s ongoing growth and adaptability.

Aug 14, 2025 • 1h
433 – Feeling Insecure? with Tim Nash. Episode 4 – The rise of AI in the security space
In this episode of WP Builds' "Feeling Insecure," Nathan Wrigley and WordPress security consultant Tim Nash discuss the rising impact of AI on internet and WordPress security. They explore how AI is being used both by hackers to rapidly exploit vulnerabilities and generate sophisticated phishing emails, and by defenders to counter threats. They highlight recent industry reports, the cat-and-mouse dynamics of cybersecurity, and the role of hosting companies in mitigation. Tim also plugs his WordPress Security 101 course. If you want to understand the new ways AI is shaping security threats (and defences) in the WordPress ecosystem, or if you’re curious about what’s changed in phishing and plugin vulnerabilities, this episode is for you.

Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 34min
This Week in WordPress #344
Another week, and we're bringing you the latest WordPress news from the last seven days. I'm with Jess Frick, Rob Cairns. This episode covers the latest WordPress news, including updates to the Block Editor, the future of neglected blocks, and the launch of the Abilities API. The panel discusses what it takes to succeed as a WordPress plugin vendor, Divi’s ongoing popularity and development, and changes ahead for WordCamp US, including a more interactive Contributor Day. They debate the state and future of WP Tavern and the challenges of maintaining independent journalism in WordPress. Other highlights include plugin repository issues, the importance of authentic marketing, and opportunities for community involvement in accessibility and development teams.

Aug 7, 2025 • 55min
432 – How Dave Grey is fixing WordPress admin pain points with smart utility plugins
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Dave Gray about his journey transitioning from a corporate career to running his own WordPress focused business. Dave discusses his decision to create utility plugins like Administrator Toolkit and Nag Me Not, aimed at helping freelancers and site maintainers manage client sites more effectively. He also talks about his other projects like Launch That Website, demonstrating his focus on small, purposeful tools rather than all in one solutions. The conversation covers the challenges of deciding which features to add, building a product ecosystem, and balancing work-life as an entrepreneur. If you’re managing client sites, building WordPress plugins, or looking for ways to make your WordPress admin life simpler and more secure, this episode is for you.